Pakistan Airstrikes in Kabul Amid Taliban Foreign Minister’s First India Visit

Afghanistan witnessed overnight explosions on October 9, as reports indicated that Pakistani jets carried out airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul, escalating tensions in the region. The strikes coincided with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s maiden visit to India, signalling Pakistan’s apprehension over India-Afghanistan diplomatic outreach.

The strikes reportedly aimed to eliminate TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, who assumed leadership of the militant group in 2018. However, an audio message from Mehsud confirmed that he was unharmed, denying media claims of his death. The TTP has been responsible for multiple attacks against Pakistani military personnel, including a deadly ambush on October 8 that killed 11 soldiers.

Global and Regional Reactions:

• Zalmay Khalilzad, former US envoy to Afghanistan, described the strikes as a “huge escalation” and urged Pakistan and the Taliban to negotiate.

• Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had issued a warning a day before, stating that Pakistan’s patience had “run out” over militants using Afghan territory to target Pakistani forces.

Taliban-Afghanistan-India Dynamics:
The airstrikes appear timed to send a message to both the Taliban and India. Muttaqi’s visit to India, spanning six days, includes high-level meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval, marking the highest-level interactions since the US withdrawal in 2021. India has been actively providing humanitarian aid and relief assistance to Afghanistan, and the Taliban’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack has further paved the way for enhanced bilateral ties.

The incident highlights Pakistan’s unease over India-Afghanistan engagement and ongoing tensions with the Taliban, raising concerns about regional stability and cross-border security.